Roma ready to buy Mora outright from FC Porto for 45m plus bonusReports are growing in Italy that Roma will offer to buy Rodrigo Mora from FC Porto for 45m plus bonus, rather than just a loan with option to buy, beating Galatasaray interest.PORTO, PORTUGAL JANUARY 29: Max Aarons of Rangers passes the ball whilst under pressure from Rodrigo Mora of FC Porto during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between FC Porto and Rangers FC at Estadio do Dragao on January 29, 2026 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)The irritation of coach Gian Piero Gasperini with the lack of progress on the transfer market has spurred the club into action, especially with Champions League qualification coming up.Although Mora is technically a trequartista who plays centrally behind the striker, there is also the suggestion he could be used as a wide attacking player instead.Roma have different approaches for MoraSTUTTGART, GERMANY MARCH 12: Rodrigo Mora of FC Porto celebrates scoring his teams second goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between VfB Stuttgart and FC Porto at Stuttgart Arena on March 12, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)Sky Sport Italia and Turkish transfer pundits point to a 5m loan with option to buy for a further 45m.However, Sportitalia expert Alfredo Pedull and Roma specialist Eleonora Trotta claim that Roma are trying to buy Mora outright this summer.The proposal would be worth 45m plus add-ons, which is already considerably less than the 70m release clause in his contract with FC Porto.Mora turned 19 in May and has also been linked with Galatasaray, but the Giallorossi seem to be at a more advanced stage in negotiations right now.He scored five goals with two assists in 44 competitive games for the club last season.

NEW DELHI: With India's growing injury list putting the spotlight on the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), its head VVS Laxman has pushed back against the scrutiny surrounding the Bengaluru-based facility, insisting that injuries are an unavoidable part of a cricketer's career and that the focus should be on monitoring players rather than finding scapegoats.The CoE has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks amid concerns over rehabilitation timelines, fitness assessments and communication between its sports science team and the national selection committee. Several key players are currently dealing with injuries, with Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar among those facing fitness concerns.Laxman, however, defended the institution's broader role, stressing that it should not be reduced to a rehabilitation centre."CoE is not merely a rehab centre. There are bigger roles to play for it in helping cricketers achieve excellence," Laxman said at a press conference in Bengaluru on Sunday.His comments come at a time when the CoE's injury-management programme is under renewed examination, particularly with India set to begin a crucial Test series against Sri Lanka on August 15.We don't use the term blameLaxman also refused to attribute India's injury problems to any individual or department, arguing that injuries are an inherent part of professional sport."Injuries are part and parcel of any player's career. That's why monitoring system is very critical. And we don't use the term blame then we will be trying to find scapegoats," he said.The CoE chief pointed towards the facility's monitoring systems and the measures being used to assess players continuously, rather than relying solely on conventional fitness tests."Yo Yo test cannot be done when a player is part of the series, so we have introduced Bronco test by Adrian, so that the fitness can be monitored continously," Laxman said.He cited Bumrah and Sudharsan as examples of players whose fitness was assessed through multiple parameters before decisions were made on their availability."Jasprit Bumrah and B Sai Sudharsan were picked as subject to fitness. We move them from one parameter to other before giving the clearance to play. The communication between CoE and team management is quite seamless," he added.The comments are significant given the uncertainty that has surrounded the availability of both Bumrah and Sudharsan for the Sri Lanka Tests.Both players were initially included in India's squad subject to fitness, but the CoE's medical and sports science experts ultimately opted for caution after assessing their respective conditions.Bumrah's absence is particularly significant, with the fast bowler's knee continuing to cause problems after an impact injury. Fluid retention has required additional recovery time, forcing India to prepare for the series without one of their most important Test match-winners.Sudharsan, meanwhile, had been spending considerable time batting in the nets as part of his recovery but continued to experience pain in his left big toe.BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia meets VVS LaxmanBCCI secretary Devajit Saikia met Laxman at the CoE in Bengaluru on Sunday to take stock of the rehabilitation and injury-management programme.For the BCCI, the concern is not merely the number of players unavailable but also whether the timelines communicated by the CoE have consistently matched the expectations of the selectors.Laxman, however, maintained that the process is centred on continuous assessment and communication rather than assigning blame when a player suffers a setback.With India's injury list growing and a demanding Test season ahead, the CoE is likely to remain under the microscope. Laxman's message was clear: the facility's role is not simply to get injured players back on the field, but to manage their overall journey towards sustained excellence.

After the final World Cup game at Gillette Stadium, out went the FIFA-mandated grass and in came an artificial turf field.Now, the artificial turf field will be hastily replaced with a different one.Via Mike Reiss of ESPN, the NFL and NFL Players Association independent laboratory testing protocol determined that the first artificial surface was "noncompliant."Patriots chief operating officer Jim Nolan explained the situation to Reiss but, frankly, Nolan's quotes are sort of confusing and subtly oozing with spin. The bottom line is that the first field wasn't good enough, forcing the Patriots to rip it out and try again. Quickly."The field we're installing is the latest version of the field we took out in January," Nolan told Reiss. "From a player perspective, it will be incredibly consistent with what they played on last year."It's unclear why that field wasn't reinstalled in the first place.The new field is being installed this week. And the clock is ticking. The Patriots host the Colts to open the 2026 preseason on Thursday night.What if the new field doesn't pass muster? It wouldn't be the first time a preseason game was scrapped. Ten years ago, the Hall of Fame Game between the Colts and Packers didn't happen due to paint that had become "congealed and rubberized." (The debacle, which sparked litigation from those who bought tickets and in many cases traveled to Canton, caused the NFL to move the game from after the enshrinement ceremony to before it.) Twenty-five years ago, a Ravens-Eagles game at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia was cancelled due to "uneven cutouts" in the playing surface that, at the time, was used for both football and baseball.The rush to install another new field seems like a fairly big deal, something that merits more attention from ESPN than the second item in Reiss's weekly news and notes column. But, hey, that's what can happen when the NFL owns 10 percent of the media outlet making the editorial decisions.

Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell join exclusive WNBA list in Fever win originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Indiana Fever have spent the last two seasons searching for the right formula around Caitlin Clark. Their latest victory offered another reminder that one essential ingredient was already in place.Clark and Kelsey Mitchell combined for 53 points Saturday, leading Indiana to a 90-86 victory over the Chicago Sky. Mitchell finished with a game-high 27 points, while Clark added 26 as the Fever secured their 20th win of the season.The performance also moved Indianas star guards further into the WNBA record book.Clark and Mitchell reach another WNBA milestoneSaturday marked the eighth time Clark and Mitchell have each scored at least 25 points in the same game. According to Athlon Sports, that tied them for the second-most such performances by a duo in league history. The accomplishment shows how dramatically Indianas backcourt has evolved.We take our bond seriously. I want her to be great and vice versa. So a lot of it is just love and energy, honestly.Kelsey Mitchell tells @sportsiren the secret between her and Caitlin Clarks backcourt chemistry pic.twitter.com/FgzYl77EcB ESPN (@espn) August 8, 2026When Clark entered the WNBA in 2024, there were understandable questions about how she and Mitchell would share offensive responsibilities. Mitchell already was an established scorer who had spent six seasons carrying much of Indianas offense before Clark arrived as the No. 1 overall pick.Instead of competing for control, the two guards have learned how to amplify each others strengths. Clarks vision and passing force defenses to account for every player on the floor. Mitchells speed and scoring ability punish opponents for sending too much attention toward Clark. If defenses stay home on Mitchell, Clark gets more freedom to create for herself.That balance has made both guards difficult to contain.We take our bond serious, Mitchell said after Saturdays victory. We like to think that our backcourt comes from love for one, and I think I want her to be great and vice versa. So a lot of it is just love and energy, honestly.That relationship has translated into historic production.Mitchell leads Indiana with 24.1 points per game this season, while Clark is averaging 21.5 points and 8.0 assists. They are the Fevers two leading scorers, but their success extends beyond individual statistics.Indiana owns a 20-12 record and sits fourth in the WNBA standings with 12 regular-season games remaining.MORE:DiJonai Carrington ejected after hard hit on Sophie Cunningham in Fever-Sky gameFever backcourt could determine playoff ceilingThe Fever no longer are trying simply to prove they belong in the postseason conversation. They have reached the point where a deep playoff run should be the expectation.Indianas chances will depend heavily on whether Clark and Mitchell can continue producing simultaneously. Most teams have enough defensive resources to make life difficult for one elite guard. Finding answers for two explosive scorers is a much larger problem. Saturday illustrated that challenge. Chicago could not take away Clark without creating opportunities for Mitchell, and it could not focus on Mitchell without giving Clark additional room.The Fever still have areas to address after allowing the Sky to keep the game close. Indiana will face much stronger opposition in the playoffs, where defenses become more physical and every possession carries greater importance. However, elite backcourt play can cover plenty of weaknesses.Clark and Mitchell already have matched one of the most productive duos in WNBA history with eight shared 25-point performances. With 12 games left, they have time to climb even higher.More WNBA news:Caitlin Clark and the Fever stay put in latest WNBA power ranking despite Lynx lossWhy Mercury's Kelsey Plum blockbuster is just crazy enough to workAngel Reese reveals what she still misses about Chicago after trade to DreamMore importantly, they have given Indiana something every contender needs: two stars capable of taking over the same game.

The Buffalo Bills new home venue is opening for the 2026 NFL season, but fans are rapidly judging Highmark Stadium after its rough opening night.The AFC East team enters the year with significant hype so long as Josh Allen plays at an MVP level. However, fans are quickly pointing out how their in-stadium experience may be changing come fall.MORE: Did Adam Vinatieris Pro Football HOF speech go over the line?Buffalo is the latest franchise to open a new venue with Highmark Stadium coming in to replace the old Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park. The $2.1 billion project appears to have its share of issues though as fans voice their complaints.The Bills are traditionally one of the top home game experiences in the NFL given their passionate fanbase. Supporters are known for braving the cold Buffalo elements and being a wild cast of characters that may jump through folding tables.MORE: Fans react to the bronze bust reveals of Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026Highmark Stadium blundersClouds move over the top of Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)The major talking point following Saturday nights Bills scrimmage is certainly the small stature of the scoreboards. The Jumbotron on each end of the field seem significantly smaller than what fans are used to at other NFL venues.Meanwhile, the views inside Highmark Stadium are superb with its stacked seat layout. That gives fans the best sights regardless of how high up in the stadium they are seated.However, the top complaint about the upper-deck seats is the frightening walk down the steps in order to get to the restrooms and concessions stands.Video boards inside the new Highmark Stadium are pretty underwhelmingSmall pic.twitter.com/uDeGpyXBA1 alex brasky (@alexbrasky) August 8, 2026Buffalo didnt do themselves any favors either by wearing their controversial gray jerseys. Fans dont seem to be gravitating towards the new jerseys as much as their normal blue or white versions.The reality is most of this wont matter once Allen and Co. return to the field in September. Buffalo is one of the favorites to come out of the AFC with a talented roster.However, the Bills star QB did admit recently that he still feels at blame for Sean McDermotts firing. New head coach Joe Brady is immediately thrown into a difficult position after being upgraded from offensive coordinator.MORE: 8 retired NFL star players making their Hall of Fame ballot debuts in 2027The Bills open the regular season on the road at the Houston Texans. Their first home game comes on Sept. 17 in a heated battle with the Detroit Lions.Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter

Colombo: Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten was a keen observer at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground on Sunday as India continued their preparations for the upcoming two-Test series, with the former India coach getting a close look at the visitors during their final warm-up game.Kirsten, who guided India to the 2011 ODI World Cup title, was spotted at the venue during the warm-up fixture between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI. The South African also exchanged a few words with India fast bowler Gurnoor Brar near the boundary ropes before turning his attention back towards the visitors' preparations. Sahil_Malhotra1 (@Sahil_Malhotra1) India face 207-run chaseThe warm-up match has now entered its final phase, with Sri Lanka Cricket XI declaring their second innings at 200/6 to set India a target of 207 runs. India had earlier declared on 357/6 after Sri Lanka Cricket XI posted 363/8 in their first innings. Devdutt Padikkal's unbeaten 142 was the standout performance for India, while Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar also spent valuable time in the middle.The final chase will give India's batters another opportunity to adapt to Sri Lankan conditions before the Test series, while the hosts will be keen to put pressure on a visiting side that is still working out its combinations.For Kirsten, Sunday's visit offered an opportunity to assess an Indian side he knows extremely well from his successful stint as head coach between 2008 and 2011. His current assignment, however, is to prepare Sri Lanka for a challenging two-Test World Test Championship series against India. Sri Lanka Cricket appointed him with a long-term mandate that includes building the team towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.The first Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19, followed by the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23 to 27.Indias No. 3 puzzle takes another twistOne of the biggest selection talking points heading into the series has been India's No. 3 position. Sai Sudharsan, who was initially included in India's Test squad subject to fitness, has now been ruled out of the series with a toe injury. That has opened the door further for Devdutt Padikkal, whose unbeaten 142 in the warm-up has strengthened his case for a place in the playing XI.As TimesofIndia.com reported earlier also identified Shaik Rasheed and Sarfaraz Khan as potential contenders to replace Sudharsan in the squad, although an official replacement had not been confirmed. 133067401

The Baltimore Ravens return to the practice field Sunday for Day 10 of training camp at the Under Armour Performance Center. With the preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles approaching, every rep carries additional importance for players competing for starting roles, rotational snaps and spots on the 53-man roster. Follow along for live updates, highlights, observations and the best sights and sounds from Sundays practice.This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens training camp Day 10: Live updates, sights and sounds

PHILADELPHIA -- As the Philadelphia 76ers move forward, there will be much to figure out. The Sixers have a supreme amount of talent on this roster with the additions of Jaylen Brown and LeBron James in the starting lineup along with the depth additions of Dean Wade, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Anfernee Simons.There are a lot of questions that the Sixers will have to address with this current group. The simple one is the offensive hierarchy. The Sixers have a ton of offensive weapons as Brown, James, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey all averaged 20-plus points in the 2025-26 season.Brown knows all about sacrifice from his time with the Boston Celtics. He will look to bring that same leadership to Philadelphia and help the Sixers figure it out."To be honest, it doesnt have to be anybodys team," Brown started. "It just needs to be based in respect and work. Thats my approach. I want to earn everyones respect and trust. Which takes time. Theres obviously a lot of guys with talent and theres egos, but to win, youve got to be able to sacrifice. Youve got to be able to have trust and communication."Transparency will be a big thing for the Sixers. Everybody will have to be up front about what's important with this group ad the ultimate goal should be winning a championship. This franchise has not won a title since 1983 nor been past Round 2 since 2001. That's a long time. Brown and Co. will have to focus on what really matters."I want to come in transparent," Brown continued. "I want to come in with my agenda on the table: Look, this is what Im here to do. This is what I want to do. I want to win. And we can figure out how to respectfully move around each other. It takes a level of time to develop and earn respect from each other, but my approach has always been my work ethic. Being the first to the gym, being in the film room."If there's anybody on this roster who understands the importance of sacrifice, it's James. The future Hall of Famer has been in situations like this one for such a long time. His time with the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers and playing with other legitimate superstars has taught him a lot. That will help Brown and the Sixers in this situation."Im looking forward to learning from LeBron," Brown finished. "Im looking forward to learning from all those guys. LeBron, everything hes endured in his career on and off the floor. One of my favorite things to do is learn. I just cant wait to soak up as much information as I can and apply it to myself."This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Jaylen Brown describes his leadership style as Sixers move forward

Red Sox Took Wild Swing At Blockbuster Elly De La Cruz Trade originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Boston Red Sox apparently aimed even higher than anyone realized before the MLB trade deadline. Boston completed one blockbuster by acquiring three-time All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman from the Baltimore Orioles. But chief baseball officer Craig Breslow reportedly explored another potentially franchise-altering move before the deadline passed.The Red Sox attempted to convince the Cincinnati Reds to trade superstar shortstop Elly De La Cruz, according to USA Todays Bob Nightengale.The Boston Red Sox tried to convince the Cincinnati Reds to trade shortstop Elly De La Cruz, but never came close to acquiring him, Nightengale wrote Sunday.The second half of that report matters. Cincinnati apparently never reached the point where a deal became realistic, and there is no indication Boston came close to landing De La Cruz.Still, the pursuit says plenty about how Breslow viewed the deadline.Red Sox Considered Massive Shortstop UpgradeBoston reportedly investigated several possible long-term solutions at shortstop, including CJ Abrams, Jeremy Pea, Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards.De La Cruz represented the most ambitious option.The 24-year-old is a two-time All-Star and one of baseballs most dynamic players. He entered Sunday with an .860 OPS and already had produced at least 20 home runs in three consecutive seasons. His rare combination of power and speed would have transformed Bostons lineup. Fenway Park also would have provided an intriguing home for a switch-hitter capable of changing games with his bat, legs and arm.De La Cruzs defensive inconsistency remains a concern, but there are few shortstops with his overall ceiling.The Red Soxs interest came while Trevor Story was sidelined by an injury. Story also had failed to match his 2025 production when healthy, increasing speculation that Boston might pursue a younger, long-term answer at the position. Landing De La Cruz would have resolved that question emphatically.MORE:Adley Rutschman Makes Strong First Impression With Red SoxCincinnati Had Little Reason To ListenThe largest obstacle was not identifying De La Cruz as a worthwhile target. It was creating an offer Cincinnati would seriously consider.De La Cruz remains under club control for three more seasons, giving the Reds no financial urgency to move him. Any trade package likely would have started with one of Bostons top prospects before expanding into several additional premium assets.Shortstop Franklin Arias almost certainly would have entered the conversation. The 20-year-old is among the most valuable players in Bostons farm system and projects as a possible long-term starter in the middle infield. The Red Sox already surrendered significant talent to acquire Rutschman. Completing another blockbuster for De La Cruz could have depleted a farm system Breslow spent years strengthening.That explains why a deal never became particularly close. It also makes Bostons inquiry more interesting.Breslow was willing to investigate an aggressive swing despite the enormous projected cost. After watching the Red Sox emerge as one of baseballs hottest teams, he considered adding not only Rutschman but one of MLBs brightest young stars.Boston ultimately will have to find another answer at shortstop if it wants to move beyond Story. De La Cruz probably never was a realistic solution. But the fact Breslow called Cincinnati indicates the Red Sox no longer are thinking small.More Red SoxLatest Red Sox news2026 Red Sox schedule2026 Red Sox rosterComplete history of Red Sox championships

Barcelona coach wants to secure the signing of Premier League superstar by August 12Barcelona are actively involved in two key pursuits in the transfer market right now.The club remain in contention to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid even though Diego Simeones men have no desire to let him go.The Catalans are also in talks with Manchester City to sign Rodri, who has opted to join Barcelona ahead of Real Madrid, leaving many, including Fernando Morientes, disgruntled in the process.Hansi Flick wants to seal the deal quicklyFlick wants to have Rodri available as soon as possible. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)According to Diario SPORT, Barcelona are pushing to accelerate the Rodri operation, with Hansi Flick keen to have the midfielder at his disposal as soon as possible.The German coachs objective is to have Rodri available by August 12 at the Ciutat Esportiva, so that he can join training without delay.Barcelona have used the weekend to take significant steps towards completing the deal, with the club having already submitted a second offer. City, however, are holding firm, reportedly demanding around 80 million for their prized asset.While Barcelona press ahead, City boss Enzo Maresca made clear that Rodri remains his player until any deal is officially concluded.At the moment, it looks like on Wednesday he will be in Manchester, Maresca said on Sunday.Caution remainsBarcelona are not looking to hurry the Rodri deal. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)Despite the positive progress, neither side is willing to consider the agreement done just yet.The evolution over the weekend has been encouraging, but the message remains clear: nothing will be rushed until every piece is in place.Should the two clubs reach a definitive agreement in the coming hours, Rodri would then say his goodbyes at Manchester City before heading to Catalonia. Barcelona are working hard to make that happen quickly, with Flick eager to integrate his new signing from the very start of this phase of pre-season.It must be noted that Barcelona are simultaneously working on other deals as well, including Ferran Torres move to PSG and Ronald Araujos loan move to Liverpool. And as mentioned earlier, they are working with Alvarez to help him leave Atletico Madrid.