Liverpool move closer to signing Mohamed Salah replacement after Fabrizio Romanos updateLiverpool Transfer News: Bradley Barcola Talks Open With PSGLiverpool have moved from interest to action in their pursuit of Bradley Barcola, opening club-to-club talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a summer deal for the France international. As first reported by Fabrizio Romano, the conversation is now firmly between the two clubs, with the player understood to be keen on a move to Anfield.This is the key point. Admiration is common in elite recruitment. Serious negotiation is not. Liverpool clearly see Barcola as a major answer to a major problem, replacing top-end attacking output after Mohamed Salahs departure and refreshing a forward line that still carries uncertainty around Cody Gakpo, Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa.Barcola is 23, already established at international level with France, and his profile makes sense. He has pace, directness, intelligence in possession and the ability to create as well as finish. That matters. Liverpool do not need a vanity signing, they need a forward who can tilt games, attack space and raise the ceiling of the frontline immediately.Bradley Barcola Becomes Liverpools Top TargetThe numbers being discussed explain why this will not be straightforward. PSGs valuation is said to be around 145m, while Liverpool are thought to be ready to go beyond 100m, which converts to roughly 87m, if it helps push the deal forward. That is a huge gap, and huge gaps do not disappear because one side wants a player badly.Even so, there is a deal structure here that can develop. PSG appear willing to talk, which is more important than any public price tag. If a selling club is genuinely open to negotiation, the first asking figure is often theatre. The real discussion comes down to guaranteed money, instalments, bonuses and leverage. Liverpools leverage comes from Barcolas apparent desire to join.That does not mean an agreement is close. Romanos update made clear that further contacts are scheduled and that this is likely to run rather than conclude quickly. In plain terms, this has the shape of a long negotiation, not a fast one.Photo IMAGOPSG Valuation Sets Up Major Transfer BattlePSG are entitled to hold a hard line. Barcola is young, productive and coming off a strong period for club and country. After his World Cup showing, where he helped France reach the semi-finals with three goals and one assist in eight matches, his market appeal has only risen. Selling clubs do not discount players like that out of kindness.From Liverpools side, the calculation is equally simple. If Barcola is the top target, then this is about deciding the point at which ambition meets discipline. Paying a premium for the right player can be justified. Paying whatever the selling club asks usually cannot.There is also a football reason for Liverpools confidence. Barcola looks like a strong fit in Andoni Iraolas aggressive, vertical attacking structure. He can carry the ball, combine quickly and threaten defenders repeatedly. Put him alongside Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak and the appeal becomes obvious.Liverpool Transfer Strategy Hinges on Price and PatienceThis now comes down to nerve. Liverpool have identified Bradley Barcola as the marquee attacking target. PSG know that. PSG also know the player is interested. That creates a negotiation where everybody has something, but nobody has enough yet.So yes, the saga is underway. That word gets overused, but here it fits. The player wants Liverpool, Liverpool want the player, and PSG want a fee that reflects elite status. Until one of those positions shifts, this remains a live story rather than a done deal.For Liverpool, that is still progress. In this market, getting to the table for the player you really want is the easy part. Winning the discussion is something else entirely.Our ViewAs a Liverpool supporter, this is exactly the sort of move you want to see. No messing around, no half-measures, no pretending a cheap alternative will do the same job. If Bradley Barcola is the top target, then fine, go and make the call, open the talks and test PSG properly.The exciting part is the player profile. He is quick, sharp, technical and plays with purpose. Liverpool need that in the attack. Replacing Salah was never going to be about finding a copy, because that player does not exist. It has to be about building a new kind of threat, and Barcola looks like someone who can become one of the faces of the next era.Of course the fee sounds enormous. 145m is serious money in any market. But elite forwards cost elite money, and if Liverpool genuinely believe he is the one, then there is no point acting shocked by the price. Negotiate hard, absolutely. Walk away if it becomes absurd, yes. But this is the level Liverpool should be shopping at.The biggest boost here is that the player reportedly wants the move. That matters. You want footballers who see Anfield as a destination, not a fallback. If Liverpool can land Barcola, it would feel like a statement, and after the changes in attack, that statement would be badly needed.

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid didnt realize it at the time, but he was providing a little inside info that may have paid off for the team last winter.Kincaid remembered the Week 4 game his rookie 2023 season when the Bills eviscerated the AFC East-rival Dolphins 48-20 and at one point during the game, Miami outside linebacker Bradley Chubb asked him a peculiar question.I remember my rookie year, Bradley Chubb lining up opposing me and he was like, Do you like it here in Buffalo? and it was like the oddest question to be asked of a rookie, Kincaid said with a smile. I was just taken back by it because its usually trash talk coming from those guys and obviously I knew Bradley Chubb coming in as a rookie and it was pretty cool coming from that guy. And yeah, I told him I loved it, its the same answer everyone gives, a little recruiting pitch.Who knows if Chubb remembered that answer, but he did sign with the Bills as a free agent and as Kincaid said, You flash forward 3-4 years later and hes on our team. Its pretty cool, him coming in and seamlessly becoming a leader on this team.Chubb is a key piece in the Bills transition to an odd-man front because its a defense he has played in for most of his career with the Broncos and Dolphins. But beyond playing and performing, Chubb has naturally taken on a leadership role as a ninth-year veteran.Just being me, honestly, what's got me here, he said. I've been doing the same style of leadership since I was in college, and I feel like it's carried over. Just being the true version of myself each and every day. I feel like people respect that, especially when they see me go out there and do the things I do on the field. I try to just be the best version of me, and that brings everybody else along with you. It's not, Ive got to do this to make guys like me. It's just being myself.Interestingly, he does have one regret in that he wont get to be on the home side for a game in the old Highmark Stadium, which these days is becoming a pile of rubble across the street from the $2.2 billion palace that is the new Highmark Stadium.I'm going to miss the old Highmark Stadium, he said. That old, grungy feeling of just old-school football. That's going to be always something that you remember coming up to Buffalo and playing them. Everybody shares the same tunnel, the locker room's not super updated, the shower's cold, even when it's cold outside. Just stuff like that.Not talking trash about it, but you know, just stuff like that youre like, Okay, we're here to play a football game. But change is good, new is good. I had a lot of change this offseason so being in the new stadium with this team, I know it's going to be different for a lot of those guys. But it's gonna be good for us.Here are a few other observations from Mondays rain-soaked practice:Phidarian Mathis is getting his chancePerhaps the most unsettled position group in camp is interior defensive line and that has been evident by all the different combinations defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard has used thus far.Hes trying to figure out who fits where, and what each players strengths are in the defense, but one player has stood out a bit and thats Mathis. He has been getting work with the first unit, particularly with Deone Walker sitting out Mondays practice.Theres a number of guys, Phidarian Mathis, and a lot of guys that are going to be moving around, Leonhard said the other day. You'll see them at different places during camp. You just want to see how many snaps we think they can function in different roles for us. I am excited about the group.Mathis was a 2022 second-round pick of the Commanders out of Ohio State but he never really made an impact in three seasons. The Bills signed the 312-pounder prior to their 2025 practice squad and he wound up playing in six games, plus one in the postseason.If we can assume Ed Oliver, Walker and TJ Sanders are the first three linemen in the base defense, Mathis seems to be firmly in the mix for a backup role and hes battling a few of the Bills own draft picks in Clayton, DeWayne Carter, Landon Jackson and Zane Durant, plus veteran Zion Logue.We're challenging guys, putting them in different positions, Brady said. There is a lot of different techniques that we're asking and seeing who can handle some of the techniques. We put in a lot of volume purposely, right? And I think you put a lot on them and you can see what the guys can handle, then we dial it back as we get tighter to the season.Bills dodged a bullet with CJ Gardner-JohnsonJoe Brady confirmed Monday that the calf injury the safety suffered Saturday was not serious and that hell be back practicing eventually.We're fortunate, Brady said. Anytime you see a lower body extremity injury and in the manner in which some of those happen, there's always a bad possibility with it right? But we got good news, and we'll see how his body recovers.Brady stopped short of saying when Gardner-Johnson would return, but in the meantime, its more reps for backups like Damar Hamlin, Geno Stone and most notably rookie Jalon Kilgore.I'm not really big on expectations or timetables, Brady said. I also think it's something you say day-to-day and it becomes two weeks, and it's like, Oh, is there a setback? What's happening? When guys are ready to practice, they're going to practice. Let's let the recovery kind of start and kind of see how that unfolds.Rookie DB Jalon Kilgore has flashedThe Bills are always excited about every player they draft, so when Brandon Beane was gushing about Kilgore, you took it with a grain of salt. But at the time Beane said they loved Kilgores versatility and hes showing some of that early in camp, especially with his play at safety.He had a big showing on Saturday when he seemed to be around the ball the entire practice as he made two picks and broke up three others. Granted, a lot of that came against the backup quarterbacks, but having a nose for the ball is important in the NFL and Kilgore seems to have that knack, similar in fact to Gardner-Johnson.Yeah, he has been showing up, cornerback Christian Benford said. We work together and it's like what happens in the dark is going to come to light. And right now it's coming to light. All the work that hes putting in when nobody's seeing it, when nobody's looking, it's showing. He's studying, he's smart, he's putting in the work and he's shining.Sal Maiorana has covered the Buffalo Bills for more than four decades including 37 years as the full-time beat writer/columnist for the D&C. He has written numerous books about the history of the team, and he is also co-host of the BLEAV in Bills podcast/YouTube show. He can be reached at maiorana@gannett.com, and you can follow him on X @salmaiorana and on Bluesky @salmaiorana.bsky.social.This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Bills linebacker says he's going miss this in Buffalo

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The Seattle Mariners have reportedly traded for Baltimore Orioles outfielder Taylor Ward, per ESPN. This comes on the heels of starting right fielder Luke Raley landing on the IL with a left forearm strain. The Angels get back three minor leaguers for Ward, per MLB Pipeline: Brock Moore, Alex Hoppe and Harrison Kreiling. Ward is leading the American League in walks with 87, and while he hasn't had his usual power with just seven homers Ward batted a career-high 36 in 2025, after 23, 17 in just 97 games and 25 in the three prior seasons his .383 on-base percentage has still helped him be an above-average hitter in the Orioles' outfield. Adding Ward keeps the Mariners from having to play Victor Robles in right field in Raley's absence Robles is batting just .241/.288/.267 in 51 games and 126 plate appearances, and has been a below-replacement-level player for Seattle in 2026. Baltimore acquired Ward this past offseason for starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez, for his final season before free agency. The 32-year-old left fielder is a rental for the Mariners and a necessary upgrade: Seattle is 55-58 but just two games out of a wild-card spot and three behind the AL West-leading Astros, and Raley's absence opened up a significant hole in the lineup and outfield. The Orioles are just 2.5 games out of a wild-card spot themselves, but have moved Ward for prospects signaling a potential desire to step back from that race though, over the weekend general manager Mike Elias indicated the O's would buy and sell, per MLB. Moore is a 26-year-old reliever missing bats in Double-A. Alex Hoppe, 27, has thrown 28 innings in the majors in 2026, splitting time between the bigs and Triple-A. Kreiling is a 24-year-old right-hander, but he wasn't drafted until 2024 when he was already 22: he has thrown just 10 innings as a professional, as he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2025 and missed the entire season.

Here's everything you need to know about the NFL for Aug. 3

Why White Sox are trading with Rockies for Gold Glove outfielder Brenton Doyle originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Chicago White Sox made a trade before the deadline, acquiring Luis Castillo from the Seattle Mariners to improve their starting rotation.More pitching moves could be on the horizon, but the White Sox's next trade wasn't an addition of a starter or reliever, but instead a Gold Glove outfielder.According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the White Sox are trading for Colorado Rockies outfielder Brenton Doyle in an interesting addition of a two-time Gold Glove winner to the White Sox outfield rotation.Why White Sox are trading for Brenton Doyle"White Sox acquiring CF Brenton Doyle from the Rockies, sources tell me and @WillSammon," Rosenthal reports.According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the White Sox are sending two prospects to the Rockies for Doyle: right-handed pitcher Mason Adams and shortstop Carlos Vielma.MLB Pipeline has Adams as the White Sox's No. 8-ranked prospect, while Vielma is an unranked prospect. It's not a cheap haul with Adams as the centerpiece, but it's a quality pickup for the White Sox.Doyle is a 28-year-old outfielder who mainly plays in center field. He's a defensive-first option who is under club control through the 2029 season. He's a right-handed hitter who has struggled quite a bit this season.MORE:What did Mets get for Freddy Peralta? Rays send three prospects for 4.99 ERA SPIn 45 games, Doyle has -0.4 bWAR with a .214 batting average and a .569 OPS. His 51 OPS+ means that he's nearly 50% worse than the league-average hitter.But, this addition for the White Sox is done with the hope he'll return to his 2024 form, when he had a .764 OPS in 149 games, and also be a high-quality defensive option who can also run the bases well.He'll factor into the rotation with Tristan Peters, Sam Antonacci, and Braden Montgomery. While it is costing them a bit in Adams to land Doyle, the Rockies' two-time Gold Glove winner is a controllable and cheap option for the outfield.More MLB news:Cubs land Kevin Gausman in blockbuster trade with Blue JaysRed Sox expected to trade Jarren Duran during offseason, not MLB trade deadlineTigers receive lousy grade for Tarik Skubal trade to Dodgers from ESPNHow Cubs inadvertently helped Dodgers trade for Tarik SkubalPhillies predicted to trade for a starting pitcher and reliever by MLB deadline

National League contenders LA (69-43) and Chicago (63-49) open a marquee three-game series tonight at Wrigley Field. The Dodgers got swept at home over the weekend by the Red Sox but still own the best record in the NL West and are just half a game behind the Brewers for the best record in the National League. The Cubs lost two of three to the Yankees but remain in control of the top spot in the Wild Card standings.As mentioned, the Dodgers head to Chicago looking to rebound after a frustrating three-game sweep at Chavez Ravine at the hands of Boston. They were outscored 20-10 over the three games. In losing two of three to the Yankees, Chicago managed just three runs. Only three teams have scored more runs than the Cubs this season, but the Yankees own the top ERA in all of baseball.Los Angeles has not made an official announcement as to tonights starter. A look at the rotation makes us believe it could well be left-hander Justin Wrobleski (11-2, 2.88 ERA). The southpaw got rocked in his last start allowing five runs in six innings last Tuesday. His previous two starts before that disaster were excellent 13.1 IP and two earned runs allowed. Chicago counters with veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd (6-1, 3.41 ERA). The 35-year-old threw seven shutout innings last Wednesday. Boyd has now been elite for three straight starts as his two prior starts saw him give up two runs over 13 innings.Lets dive into the doubleheader and find a sweat or two.Weve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.Game Details and How to Watch: Dodgers vs. CubsDate:Monday, August 3, 2026Time:8:05PM ESTSite: Wrigley FieldCity:Chicago, ILNetwork/Streaming: MLB.TV, Spectrum Sportsnet LA, MarqueeNever miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.The Latest Odds: Dodgers vs. CubsThe latest odds as of Monday courtesy of DraftKings:Moneyline: LA Dodgers (-126), Chicago Cubs (+104)Spread: Dodgers -1.5 (+134), Cubs +1.5 (-162)Total: 8.0 runsProbable Starting Pitchers and their Stats: Dodgers vs. Cubs for August 3Dodgers: Undecided, but if it isJustin WrobleskiSeason Totals: 112.2 IP, 11-2, 2.88 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 87K, 21 BBCubs: Matthew BoydSeason Totals: 66.0 IP, 11-2, 3.41 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 60K, 19 BBWhos Hot? Whos Not! Dodgers vs. CubsFreddie Freeman is riding a 12-game hitting streak (24-48)Kyle Tucker was 2-6 over the weekend against BostonShohei Ohtani has hit safely in 6 straight games (10-22)Nico Hoerner was 3-11 against the Yankees this past weekendMookie Betts is 6-18 (.333) against Matthew Boyd in his careerAlex Bregman saw his 6-game hitting streak snapped yesterdayPete Crow-Armstrong was 1-8 against the Yankees this past weekendRotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!Top Betting Trends & Insights: Dodgers vs. CubsThe Cubs are 52-60 on the Run Line this seasonThe Dodgers are 49-63 on the Run Line this seasonThe OVER has cashed 59 times in Chicagos 112 games this season (59-52-1)The OVER has cashed 52 times in LAs 112 games this season (52-59-1)Expert picks & predictions: Dodgers vs. CubsRotoworld Bet Best BetPlease bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.Here are the best bets our model for tonights game between the Dodgers and the Cubs:Moneyline:Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Cubs on the Moneyline.Spread:Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Run Line.Total:Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total OVER 8.0.Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)

Red Sox on verge of Adley Rutschman blockbuster as final trade decision looms originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Boston Red Sox have an opportunity to complete one of the biggest and most surprising trades of the MLB deadline. Boston and the Baltimore Orioles have arranged a deal involving star catcher Adley Rutschman, according to ESPNs Buster Olney. The prospects involved have reportedly been identified, and the medical information has been exchanged.There is only one problem: The Red Sox have not given their final approval. Olney reported that Boston must still say yay or nay, making this a potential blockbuster rather than a completed trade. If the Red Sox approve the deal, they would land a three-time All-Star catcher from one of their biggest American League East rivals.The identity of the prospects heading to Baltimore was not immediately reported.Adley Rutschman trade is in Red Soxs handsThe Orioles have apparently completed much of the groundwork necessary to send Rutschman to Boston.The Red Sox and Os have a deal arranged for Adley Rutschman. Prospects, medicals set. Red Sox just need to say yay or nay. Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) August 3, 2026That makes the Red Soxs hesitation especially intriguing. Medical evaluations are always important in a major trade, but they carry additional weight in this case because Rutschman is currently on the 10-day injured list with left wrist inflammation.Rutschman was placed on the injured list July 20. Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said Friday that the catcher was expected to resume hitting Saturday and could begin a rehabilitation assignment during the following week.The 28-year-old has also dealt with left ankle inflammation and a concussion this season. Those physical concerns could explain why Boston has yet to provide its final answer.When healthy, Rutschman remains one of the most accomplished catchers in baseball.He is batting .251 with eight home runs, 47 RBIs and a .764 OPS through 67 games this season. Those numbers are not at the level of his best seasons, but his career rsum makes it easy to understand Bostons interest.Rutschman has recorded a .254 batting average, 69 home runs, 277 RBIs and 285 walks over 572 career games. The former No. 1 overall pick has also been selected to three All-Star teams since making his major league debut in 2022.MORE:Braves acquire Brent Suter from Angels in trade for Nacho Alvarez Jr.Orioles would make stunning move inside AL EastTrading Rutschman would already represent a major decision for Baltimore. Sending him to Boston would make the move even more dramatic. The Orioles would be giving a division rival a switch-hitting catcher who remains under team control through the 2027 season. Rutschman is playing on a one-year, $7.25 million contract and has one additional year of arbitration eligibility before he can reach free agency.Baltimores willingness to discuss a trade may be connected to the organizations long-term catching depth. Samuel Basallo is considered an important part of the Orioles future, although he is also currently sidelined by an injury. The Orioles recently acquired veteran catcher Jake Rogers from the Detroit Tigers, providing another option behind the plate. That move now looks even more notable with Rutschman potentially headed elsewhere.Baltimore entered Monday with a 54-58 record. Despite remaining within striking distance of the postseason race, the organization appears willing to consider a major reshaping of its roster. The Red Sox would be betting that Rutschman can recover from his wrist injury and return to his All-Star form. A healthy Rutschman could become a central part of Bostons lineup this season and in 2027.The trade framework is reportedly ready. The prospects have been selected, and the medical information is available.Now the entire blockbuster rests on Bostons final answer.More MLB news:Phillies plan major Bryce Harper position change after Luis Arraez tradeCubs land Kevin Gausman in blockbuster trade with Blue JaysBrewers acquire Guardians catcher Bo Naylor in deadline tradeTwins acquire Dean Kremer from Orioles in MLB trade deadline move

2021 U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu will miss this years tournament as she manages the stress fracture in her right leg that forced her to withdraw from Wimbledon.Raducanu pulled out of her home Slam on the eve of the tournament, hours after saying that she planned to play through a lower leg niggle in a news conference. She has not played or practiced since, and she will now miss the final major of the year in order to continue her recuperation.The 23-year-old reached the final of Queens, the prestigious grass-court tuneup for Wimbledon, before her latest setback. It was only her second final since that U.S. Open win in 2021, and both of those have come this year. She ultimately ran out of gas and lost in straight sets to 2024 Wimbledon semifinalist Donna Veki, before saying in a news conference that she had been managing a series of small issues, one which developed into this stress fracture.Raducanus tennis has looked more fluent since May, when she rehired Andrew Richardson, who coached her to the title in New York, but she has not been able to find rhythm in 2026 when it comes to availability. The Brit has played just 21 matches, with a foot injury and a post-viral illness hampering the early part of her season.Raducanu has not set a target for her return from this injury. The U.S. Open womens singles main draw starts Aug. 30, with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka seeking a third consecutive title.This article originally appeared in The Athletic.Tennis, Women's Tennis2026 The Athletic Media Company

WESTFIELD Alec Pierces absence can be felt at Grand Park on most Colts practice days.With Pierce out, a group of outside receivers that includes Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Ashton Dulin and Laquon Treadwell has struggled against cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward.Indianapolis does not have a timetable for Pierces return yet. The teams top receiver underwent surgery to clean up his ankle in March, with an initial timetable of four to six months recovery. I know that hes working, hes heading in the right direction, for sure, Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen said. I feel really good about that.The Colts put Pierce on the physically unable to perform, or PUP, list to open training camp, and although he can be activated at any time, it is unclear when hell be able to join the Colts on the practice field. Pierce has been present at every practice, riding a stationary bike to start and then watching from the sidelines, but its hard to know when hell be back.Indianapolis is counting on Pierce to play a big role for the offense. Pierce signed a four-year, $114 million contract after going over the 1,000-yard mark for the first time last season, and Indianapolis traded away Michael Pittman Jr. in the offseason to clear space for Pierces deal.The Colts hope Pierce will be back on the field soon.Joel A. EricksonandNathan Browncover theColtsall season. Get more coverage onIndyStarTVand with theColts Insider newsletter.This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Latest injury update on Colts WR Alec Pierce