Real Madrid joined by Barcelona in pursuit of 60m-rated England international reportAt this point, it is well-established that Real Madrid intend to sign a new midfielder in the summer transfer window later this year.The Merengues have failed to adequately replace club legends Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, with the existing options in the squad failing to take the step forward expected of them.Moreover, with Dani Ceballos also expected to leave, there will be a vacancy created in the midfield department.Adam Wharton in demandPrevious reports have highlighted how Real Madrid are looking at Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace as a potential target for the summer.Now, according to reports in England, as relayed by SPORT, Real Madrid are indeed interested in the 22-year-old midfielder, but face competition from arch-rivals FC Barcelona.In addition, Premier League clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City have all shown an interest in acquiring the Crystal Palace and England midfielder next summer.Man in demand. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)For Barcelona, signing a new midfielder is not a priority for the summer. Moreover, the potential asking price for Wharton could further dissuade them from considering a move.As for Real Madrid, the signing of a midfielder capable of organising play is seen as a priority. Wharton may not be exactly that profile, but he could help address certain areas, such as the speed of ball circulation.In any case, Wharton would not come cheaply, which could push Real Madrid away from the operation. Crystal Palace are not prepared to part with one of their key figures unless a substantial offer is made. Moreover, the interest from other Premier League giants could drive the price up further.*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.

With new coaches, quarterbacks and transfers, we look at the SEC as camps get ready to open.

Set-pieces have become more important than ever in the top flight, with leaders Arsenal having utilised them as a key weapon this season.

Zahra Ghanbari and her Iran team stood while their national anthem played at the Womens Asian Cup soccer tournament on Monday, a long way from the war that started on the weekend with a major attack by Israel and the United States.Before the opening loss against South Korea, Iran head coach Marziyeh Jafari declined to comment on the military strikes or the death of her country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying the squad needed to focus on the tournament.The mood was mostly sombre during the anthem, although there were some smiles to acknowledge supporters at the Gold Coast stadium. And then it was down to the business of football.South Korea, runners-up at the 2022 Women's Asian Cup, won 3-0 despite the dogged defense of the Iranians anchored by goalkeeper Maryam Yektaei. The South Koreans had 20 shots in the first half but only led 1-0 at the break on Choe Yu-ri's goal in the 37th minute. She swooped on the rebound when Jang Sel-gi's angled left-foot shot deflected off the post.Kim Hye-ri converted from the penalty spot in the 59th minute and Ko Yoo-jin finished off the scoring with a well-timed glancing header in the 75th.We definitely could have scored a few more missed a couple of chances that's something well definitely work on in the upcoming trainings, South Korea substitute Casey Phair said. But I think it was a really good starting point to start the tournament with three points.Ghanbari, the captain, was substituted off late in regulation. Her team had only 21% of possession in the game and had just three shots at goal compared with 32 for the South Koreans.A small pocket of Iran fans chanted and waved red, white and green flags, including the pre-Islamic revolution flag.One of the Iran team's biggest targets at the tournament is to secure a place in the Women's World Cup next year in Brazil, and that will require at least a quarterfinal run in Australia.Iran will next play tournament host Australia on Thursday at the same venue on the Gold Coast, a beachside tourist destination in Queensland state.A tournament record crowd of 44,379 attended the opening game in Perth on Sunday to see hometown star Sam Kerr score in Australia's 1-0 win over Philippines.After that win, Kerr acknowledged the difficult circumstances for the Iranian team.Theyre young girls and young footballers ... well treat the game like any other game and show the team the utmost respect and prepare properly, Kerr told the tournament's Australian TV broadcaster. ___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Zahra Ghanbari and her Iran team stood while their national anthem played at the Womens Asian Cup soccer tournament on Monday, a long way from the war that started on the weekend with a major attack by Israel and the United States.Before the opening loss against South Korea, Iran head coach Marziyeh Jafari declined to comment on the military strikes or the death of her country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying the squad needed to focus on the tournament.The mood was mostly sombre during the anthem, although there were some smiles to acknowledge supporters at the Gold Coast stadium. And then it was down to the business of football.South Korea, runners-up at the 2022 Women's Asian Cup, won 3-0 despite the dogged defense of the Iranians anchored by goalkeeper Maryam Yektaei. The South Koreans had 20 shots in the first half but only led 1-0 at the break on Choe Yu-ri's goal in the 37th minute. She swooped on the rebound when Jang Sel-gi's angled left-foot shot deflected off the post.Kim Hye-ri converted from the penalty spot in the 59th minute and Ko Yoo-jin finished off the scoring with a well-timed glancing header in the 75th.We definitely could have scored a few more missed a couple of chances that's something well definitely work on in the upcoming trainings, South Korea substitute Casey Phair said. But I think it was a really good starting point to start the tournament with three points.Ghanbari, the captain, was substituted off late in regulation. Her team had only 21% of possession in the game and had just three shots at goal compared with 32 for the South Koreans.A small pocket of Iran fans chanted and waved red, white and green flags, including the pre-Islamic revolution flag.One of the Iran team's biggest targets at the tournament is to secure a place in the Women's World Cup next year in Brazil, and that will require at least a quarterfinal run in Australia.Iran will next play tournament host Australia on Thursday at the same venue on the Gold Coast, a beachside tourist destination in Queensland state.A tournament record crowd of 44,379 attended the opening game in Perth on Sunday to see hometown star Sam Kerr score in Australia's 1-0 win over Philippines.After that win, Kerr acknowledged the difficult circumstances for the Iranian team.Theyre young girls and young footballers ... well treat the game like any other game and show the team the utmost respect and prepare properly, Kerr told the tournament's Australian TV broadcaster. ___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

The Six Nations trophy has been destroyed by fire midway through this year's championship, rugby's governing body has confirmed.A van transporting the prestigious silverware caught alight in Ireland, causing severe damage to the coveted prize.Fortunately, nobody travelling in the vehicle sustained injuries during the incident.Six Nations Rugby released a statement acknowledging the trophy could not be restored to "full presentation standard" following the blaze.TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour SayThe organisation has now outlined its plans for both the remainder of the current tournament and future championships, with the original piece of silverware officially retired from service.The silver trophy was originally crafted in 2015 and had been presented to championship winners for over a decade before meeting its untimely end.According to Six Nations Rugby, the extent of the fire damage meant restoration was simply not feasible, with the piece unable to meet the required standards for official presentation.As a result, the governing body took the decision to permanently retire the original trophy from competitive use.The silverware had become one of rugby union's most recognisable prizes, lifted by champions from across the home nations and continental Europe throughout its eleven-year history.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:10 talking points from the Premier League including Ramadan row, Arsenal art form and weird Sunday quirkPremier League sensationally forced to delete own tweet after furious complaints from TottenhamMick Schumacher crashes on first lap in nightmare return to racing as 'door closed' on F1 careerFor the ongoing 2026 competition, organisers have confirmed that this year's victors will be presented with an identical replica when the championship concludes on 15th March.Looking further ahead, work is already underway on a permanent replacement that will honour the legacy of the damaged original.The governing body stated: "A new Trophy will be commissioned in the same design as the original, with materials from the original being incorporated into the new Trophy, ensuring its history is respectfully transferred to the new creation."Craftsmen will require approximately 365 hours to complete the new piece, which will be ready in time for the 2027 championship.With three rounds of fixtures completed, defending champions France currently sit atop the standings on 15 points, placing them in prime position to claim the replica trophy later this month.Scotland occupy second place, having accumulated 11 points from their opening three matches of the campaign.Ireland, despite hosting the unfortunate incident that claimed the original silverware, remain in contention for a podium finish with nine points.The newly commissioned trophy, incorporating salvaged materials from the fire-damaged original, will be presented to whoever triumphs in next year's competition, ensuring the championship's heritage continues into a new era.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

Souvenir tickets given out at Cruz Beckham's gig in the Welsh capital said the venue was in Cardiff, England.

Die deutschen Basketballer berstehen das knifflige Duell in der WM-Qualifikation gegen Kroatien, weil auch die Spieler aus der zweiten Reihe Verantwortung bernehmen.[mehr]

Liam Rosenior, entraneur de Chelsea, a dplor deux problmes majeurs au sein de son quipe lors de la dfaite contre Arsenal (2-1) dimanche, dix jours avant le 8e de finale aller de la Ligue des champions contre le PSG.