Matteo Ruggeri left-back of Atletico de Madrid and Italy during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid at Arsenal Stadium on May 5, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty ImagesPer reports in Spain and England on Tuesday, Aston Villa are interested in bringing Matteo Ruggeri to the Premier League, and the Atltico de Madrid left-back is contemplating whether to accept an offer from the Birmingham-based club or hold out for a return to Serie A.First advanced by Isaac Surez in Marca, Aston Villas interest in Ruggeri comes two weeks after the players agent declared that his client was going nowhere this summer, even after Atltico completed the signing of Spain international Alejandro Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen. Tullio Tinti and Manuel Montip, Ruggeris representatives, were present Tuesday at Atletis training session in Majadahonda, where the 24-year-old worked with the substitutes and Madrileo players instead of the starting team.Surez describes the negotiations as fast-moving, and Villa want to sign the player immediately. He claims that a transfer could be done in the next few hours, which in reality means sometime in the next few days. JUST IN: All parties are now aware of the Matteo RuggeriAston Villa situation after his agents were seen at Atlticos training ground on Monday afternoon.They watched training after holding a meeting with Mateu Alemany, observing the opening 15 minutes of the session in pic.twitter.com/1aQRSkOmZ4 Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) August 4, 2026Ruggeri had an uneven debut season in Madrid after Atleti signed him from Atalanta last year. After a difficult start, he found form in January and ended the season with seven assists across 47 appearances in all competitions. But according to The Athletics Jacob Tanswell, Ruggeri first the physical profile of left-back that Villa manager Unai Emery wants, as veteran Lucas Digne is set to join Paris Saint-Germain in the coming days. Emerys preferred target reportedly is Milans Pervis Estupin, but negotiations for his former Villarreal pupil have not progressed.It is not yet known how much money Villa are offering to sign Ruggeri. But seeing as he has four years left on his contract and was signed initially for around 20 million, the chances are good that Atltico will turn a profit by selling Ruggeri to England. With Grimaldo soon to join following his post-World Cup holiday, the club views Ruggeris sale as necessary to make further additions to the team including the much-desired signing of a center-back.Atletico Madrid defender Matteo Ruggeri among the left-back options being considered by #AVFC. 24yo is within a small pool includes Pervis Estupinan, who Villa have yet to agree a fee on with Ruggeri fitting physical profile of LB Villa want. @TheAthleticFC Jacob Tanswell (@J_Tanswell) August 4, 2026If Ruggeri leaves, Dvid Hancko is expected to serve as cover for Grimaldo after the club sold Julio Daz to Sevilla, a strategy that underscores Mateu Alemanys intention to sign a high-level central defender (as opposed to replacing Ruggeri with a like-for-like substitute on the market). Atltico Madrileo left-back Arnau Sol, who debuted in LaLiga for Villarreal in 2025, signed for the reserve team last month and would be another option behind Hancko.Alemany will receive more funds in the next week, after the Atltico board convenes for a shareholders meeting on Friday to rubber-stamp a 100 million capital injection; of that 100 million, 40 million will be dedicated to signings, while the rest will be spent on the Ciudad del Deporte, set to open next year.

MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 20: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid CF celebrates a goal with Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid CF during UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 football match played between Real Madrid and AS Monaco at Bernabeu stadium on January 20, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty ImagesWelcome to The Daily Merengue a place where you can feel free to discuss all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. Its in the name!Shoutout to the Mods who do a fantastic job,Valyrian Steel, Ezek XI, KungFuZizou, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, and Juninho.Writers Prelude. Well keep today short.A Short Daily ThreadLa reunin entre Vinicius y el Real Madrid est prevista para el mircoles.El Madrid no piensa subir su ltima oferta de renovacin. Vini sigue pidiendo cerca de 30 millones por temporada. El Madrid llega a 22.Figuras de peso en el Madrid son partidarias de la venta.En el Rodra (@Rodra10_97) August 4, 2026 JUST IN: Jos Mourinho still wants to sign a new CB.However, he knows that a first team player would need to be sold, and any possible new signing would need to be financially viable. @MarioCorteganapic.twitter.com/nmk9xFssJQ Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) August 4, 2026 BREAKING: Franco Mastantuono to Florentino on LOAN is IMMINENT. @AranchaMOBILEpic.twitter.com/0iqAX1sTM7 Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) August 4, 2026Cheers,J

Ferran Torres celebrated Spain's World Cup victory with a custom hat -Credit:Instagram @ferrantorresSpain's FIFA World Cup winner Ferran Torres has insisted he had no political intentions when he was photographed wearing a 'MAGA'-style hat during Spain's victory celebrations in front of the president.Torres netted the only goal of the game in the World Cup Final as Spain defeated Lionel Messi's Argentina to claim their second title in the sport's most prestigious tournament.While several players were spotted performing the 'Trump dance' as the President took to the podium to celebrate alongside the squad, the Spanish team appeared to keep the jokes rolling as Torres sported the red hat upon their return to Spain the following day. The Barcelona forward, however, has maintained it had nothing to do with politics, via The Mirror US.Donald Trump sparks outrage with Harry Kane World Cup commentsDonald Trump addresses Gianni Infantino's World Cup sale plans, amidst Kushner links -Credit:Simon M Bruty, Getty ImagesTorres told CNN: "It was just to have a bit of fun with my friends and family and had nothing to do with politics. Honestly, I don't know anything about politics. It was only because I wanted to see Spain back on top again, lifting the World Cup."The hat had actually read 'Make Spain Great Again', prompting the White House's official X account to post: "Everyone wants to be part of the movement."The President's presence at the World Cup Final drew the ire of numerous fans, who voiced their displeasure with loud jeers when he appeared on the big screen at MetLife Stadium, walking out alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino to present the medals.Trump and Infantino share a fascinating dynamic, with both figures accused of compromising the tournament following the Folarin Balogun controversy in which the U.S. Men's National Team player was red-carded before being permitted to feature in the subsequent match.To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERETorres has emerged as Spain's hero over recent weeks, taking time out this week to sit down with CNN for an interview before returning to his club in the coming days.Nevertheless, Torres could find himself on the move this summer.The former Manchester City winger has spent the past four years at Barcelona and is now being linked with transfers to both Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool.PSG appear to be aggressively targeting the position, with reports suggesting they are close to securing deals for Magnes Akliouche and Mika Godts while also remaining in the hunt for Torres.This follows their failure to land Yan Diomande, as well as apparently allowing Bradley Barcola to join Liverpool as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah.

  According to the latest report published by Data Bridge Market Research, the Middle East and Africa Throat Cancer Diagnostics Market Middle East and Africa throat cancer diagnostics market is expected to grow in the forecast period of 2023 to 2030. Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the market is growing with a CAGR of 5.8% in the forecast period of 2023 to 2030 and is...

"According to the latest report published by Data Bridge Market Research, the Europe Aesthetic and Cosmetic Surgery Devices Market The Europe aesthetic and cosmetic surgery devices market size was valued at USD 1.06 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 1.90 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period The wide ranging Europe...

Viele High-Roller merken erst spät, dass ein VIP-Bonus nicht automatisch ein Vorteil ist, nur weil er groß klingt. Entscheidend ist, ob die Bedingungen wirklich zu deinem Spielstil passen oder ob das Programm vor allem darauf abzielt, dich länger im Kreislauf zu halten. Wer die Signale kennt, liest solche Angebote nüchtern, bevor aus scheinbar exklusiven Extras teure...

04 August 2026, South Korea, Seogwipo: Soccer, Friendly Matches, Audi Summer Tour, FC Bayern Munich vs. Jeju SK FC. Bayern player Tom Bischof gives an interview after the game. Photo: Christian Kunz/dpa (Photo by Christian Kunz/picture alliance via Getty Images)Bayern Munichs early preseason training in Munich and at the Tegernsee is over. Now the summer tour starts in earnest, as the Bavarians traveled to South Korean Jeju for their first real trip before the season starts in earnest. The players have had a chance to enjoy the finest the city has to offer, make new experiences and meet new fans.The whole Audi Summer Tour has made Bayerns Tom Bischof very happy, as the teams new #8 likens this experience to the Club World Cup experience in America in 2025:First of all, its awesome to be with the guys the whole time just like last season at the beginning with the Club World Cup. Im taking it all in, Ive never been here before. Everyone is really nice and you can learn a lot from them. We received a fantastic welcome. There are tons of fans and everyone is so lovely.It sounds as if the experience is going well so far.Join the conversation!Sign up for a user accountand get:New, improved notifications system!Fewer adsCreatecommunity postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community posts

One of head coach Ben Johnsons biggest challenges when he first came to the Chicago Bears was improving the offensive line, which was historically bad in 2024.With an almost entirely different grouping in 2025, Johnson gave the Bears one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.Most of last seasons unit is returning with two exceptions -- left tackle Ozzy Trapilo, who is going to miss most, if not all, of this season due to a torn patellar tendon, and center Drew Dalman, who elected to retire this offseason. Dalmans retirement was quite surprising, especially after he signed a three-year contract through 2027 and made the Pro Bowl in 2025.Chicago did not take long finding a replacement for Dalman, trading for center Garrett Bradbury, who spent last season with the New England Patriots.Bradbury started every game for the Patriots last season, including the Super Bowl.He ranked in the bottom of the pack of centers last season, according to Pro Football Focus, but he also was not surrounded by talent comparable to Chicagos offensive line talent.So far in training camp, Bradburys performance has been flying under the radar. However, tight end Cole Kmet said the transition from Dalman to Bradbury has been seamless and Johnson was pleased with Bradbury so far.He is extremely impressive, Johnson said.What stands out the most is he has an elite level of communication. We are cooking right now with him out there.Johnson has a history of putting his starters out for limited reps in the preseason.So, it is entirely possible Bears fans will get their first look at Bradburys in-game performance sometime in the preseason ahead of Chicagos first game of the year against the Carolina Panthers in September.Follow Bears Wire onTwitter,FacebookandInstagramThis article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Ben Johnson shares impression of new Bears center Garrett Bradbury

I think so Reliable reporter issues Liverpool transfer hint whichd delight Reds fansOne trusted Liverpool reporter has seemingly hinted that the Reds pursuit of attacking reinforcements this summer mightnt end if Bradley Barcola is signed.The Paris Saint-Germain forward has been the primary transfer target at Anfield in recent weeks, with Fabrizio Romano claiming on Monday that the two clubs are now in discussions over a potential deal, following a reported bid of more than 100m (85.6m) from Merseyside.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ONAPPLE&GOOGLE PLAYEven if the 23-year-old joins LFC, it still leaves Andoni Iraola with just the one natural senior right winger in Federico Chiesa, but that position could viably still be addressed in the remaining four weeks of the transfer window.What has Lynch said about Barcola and Liverpool?On the latestMedia Matters podcast forAnfield Index, David Lynch suggested that Liverpool may seek to bring in another forward after Barcola, even if they land the Frenchman.He said: I think so, and again kind of further to conversations Ive had, I think thats the mindset as well. There really is a feeling they need to add more in attack and thats not just kind of one in, one out with Barcola.I think theres a feeling that they absolutely have to get Barcola over the line and then kind of see where theyre up to, but to add more because they feel like theyre a little bit short in that area.Lynch also voiced his belief that the France international will leave his current club, saying:I still just think that the direction of travel here is clearly that Barcola leaves, isnt it? I mean, I think whats been apparent, I think Ive said it on this podcast weeks and weeks ago, is that the conditions are there to expect him to leave PSG.Want more Empire of the Kop coverage? Add us as apreferred source on Googleto your favourites list for news you can trustWhat could Liverpool realistically get done this month?If Liverpool are to sign another forward in addition to Barcola this month, thatd constitute a big win for sporting director Richard Hughes, especially amid the current mood of discontent over the lack of first-team additions since Victor Munoz was acquired in mid-June.Lynchs words certainly offer much more hope to Kopites than those of Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam, who claimed over the past 48 hours that the Reds will not go into the market for further reinforcements in August.Wed be shocked if LFC dont add at least one more player to Iraolas squad before the 1 September deadline, but getting in two forwards (including Barcola) and a versatile defender who can play centrally and on the right seems difficult to envisage with only four weeks of the window remaining.PSG reportedly value their player at 145m (The Athletic), so if Liverpool are to go big on the Champions League winner, the budget for further additions in the coming weeks would be heavily diminished (unless there are significant outgoings from Anfield in the meantime).Right now it feels as though signing Barcola and a versatile defender before the deadline would be a result for the Reds, but if they can get another forward in on top of that, itd put an altogether different complexion on what has thus far been an underwhelming transfer window.

SEOGWIPO, SOUTH KOREA - AUGUST 04: Joshua Kimmich of FC Bayern Muenchen is being challenged during the Audi Football Summit 2026 match between FC Bayern Mnchen and Jeju SK FC at Jeju World Cup Stadium on August 04, 2026 in Seogwipo, South Korea. (Photo by S. Stingl/FC Bayern via Getty Images) | FC Bayern via Getty ImagesThe Audi Summer Tour kicked off in the Korean island of Jeju with Bayern Munich taking on Jeju SK FC. The Bavarians fielded a lot of young players for a large portion of the match and the 2-1 lead is a result of the Bayern youths hard work. While a few of the first team players came on later in the game, they could not affect the scoreboard despite some good chances. Here are the match awards from this hard fought game although it was a friendly on paper.Jersey Swap Matheus AisThe Brazilian was a live wire for Jeju. Ais was not only a finishing threat, but also had the skill to set up one of his teammates. Jejus goal came off some sheer brilliance from the Brazilian forward. His rainbow flick near the goal line completely flummoxed Kim Min-jae. He found his partner Chang-Min Lee who pulled back his marker in the very last moment to drift into open space. That was all Jeju needed to equalize. It was a brilliant goal from the setup by Ais to the finish by Lee. Ais was also the joint highest dribbler of the game with Bayerns Guido Della Rovere.Der Kaiser Joo PalhinhaThe Bayern backline suffered from poor communication. Dayot Upamecano did not travel for the tour and is on an extended holiday after Frances deep run in the World Cup. The Frenchmans absence along with Jonathan Tah starting on the bench exposed the lack of leadership and co-ordination in the defense. The duo of Hiroki It and Kim Min-jae should have done better being the seniors on the pitch. While Jejus goal was brilliant, there were gaps in the box throughout the first half that could have led to more goals conceded.Joo Palhinha was often rushing to break up play or screen the backline. He made two crucial tackles and was the primary physical presence for Bayern in their own third of the pitch. The Portuguese internationals reading of the game allowed him to shield his defenders and the passing lanes in between. His assist to Bastian Assomos winning goal came from an interception due to his positioning. A good game for Palhinha and maybe under Vincent Kompany can become a crucial sub in Champions League knockouts.Fuballgott Tom BischofThe young midfielder showed once again why he is Bayerns present and future in midfield. His technical ability is supreme, there is always a diagonal pass ready to precisely find his teammate across the pitch. His time at left-back last season further honed his defensive skills and that has improved his game in the middle. Bischof can really throw a tackle if he needs to. This is despite Bischof coming off as a typical technical player, who might prefer to let a defender or a CDM do the dirty work. With two tackles and just three passes misplaced, the 21 year-old is the best box-to-box midfielder under Kompany at the moment. Additionally, Bischof is miles ahead of Joshua Kimmich with his corner kicks which will be a welcome change in that direction.Der Bomber Bastian AssomoThe 16 year-old German striker is a unit on the pitch. The way he imposes himself on defenders and manages to get shots off despite under pressure is really unbelievable if you consider how young he is. The youngster took four shots and scored the winner with a rocket. Definitely one to watch out for and one who suits Bayerns style of attack.Meister of the match Felipe ChvezThe Peruvian was a menace for Jeju to deal with. It would seem Bayern has a penchant for right wingers who like to cut inside and shoot every chance they get. Chvezs drive to find the net paired with his ability on the ball made him an uncontainable opponent for the home side. Despite being noticed by the defenders and marked continuously, the 19year-old managed to get away and be a creative force with two chances and four shots from him with just three touches in the penalty box. This player managed to do a lot with not much time on the ball. First team minutes will be vital for his development and maybe a loan could be in the works.Honorable MentionsBara Sapoko NdiayeThe shrewd addition from the Red&Gold collaboration is probably going to be Bayerns underrated signing of the window. The 18-year-old started at left wing taking his midfield game with him. One on one battles, quick passes, lockouts to recover possession, Ndiaye has it all to play in the middle of the park. His dribbling skill and pace can make him at LW an okay fix to give Luis Diaz rest, but the Senegalese really belongs in the middle of the park.Guido Della RovereThe Italian youngster was the CAM for the friendly and had some good moments showing glimpses of being the right glue who can be at the heart and operate the multitude of attackers in Bayerns squad. In the second half, GDR really showed what he can do with attackers who can make well timed runs.Maycon CardozoThe Brazilian continued to be threat that Chvez was. Reading the movement of the Jejus defenders exceptionally well, Cardozo always had sight of a space to run to or a pass to find another teammate that only he could spot. His low centre of gravity meant, he could put dangerous turns at the edge of the box or a feint and layoff. Konrad Laimer was at the end of one such pass from Cardozo but put the ball on the wrong side of the post. Join the conversation!Sign up for a user accountand get:New, improved notifications system!Fewer adsCreatecommunity postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community posts